Search

Effective stroke recovery therapeutics remain limited. Stem cell therapies have yielded promising results, but the harsh ischemic environment of the post‐stroke brain reduces their therapeutic potential. Previously, a conductive polymer system that enables stem cell delivery with simultaneous electrical modulation of the cells and surrounding neural environment is developed. This wired conductive polymer system proved efficacious in optimizing ideal conditions for stem cell mediated motor improvements in a rodent model of stroke. To further enable preclinical studies and enhance translational potential, a method to improve this system by eliminating its dependence upon a tethered power source is identified. A wirelessly powered, electrically conductive polymer system that eases therapeutic application and enables full mobility is herein developed. As a proof of concept, it is demonstrated that the wirelessly powered system is able to stimulate neural stem cells in vitro, as well as in vivo in a rodent model of stroke. This system modulates the stroke microenvironment and increases the production of endogenous stem cells. In summation, this novel, wirelessly powered conductive polymer system can serve as a mobile platform for a wide variety of therapeutics involving electrical stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem cells are a promising treatment option for various neurological diseases such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and other neurodegenerative disorders. However, the ideal environment to optimize the therapeutic potential of the cells remains poorly understood. Stem cells in the native environment are influenced by a combination of mechanical, chemical, and electrical cues for proliferation and differentiation. Because of their controllable properties, conductive hydrogels are promising biomaterials to interact with stem cells. Herein, this work develops an interpenetrating conducting polymer hydrogel with tunable mechanical properties. The hydrogel serves as a platform to provide mechanical and electrical cues for interactions with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This work optimizes the formulation of the hydrogel for maximum viability of MSCs and relatively higher cytoskeletal protein expression. The viability of cells is not affected due to electrical stimulation (ES). Further, ES alters the trophic factor secretion of MSCs, with significant increase in VEGF pathway genes—VEGFA and HSPB1. In addition, substrate stiffness of the hydrogel enhances the VEGFB secretion compared to control. Hence, the conducting polymer hydrogel system creates a tunable physical and electrical niche to enhance the therapeutic potential of stem cells for neurological injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]